The impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has
set the stage for a major political
fight in Mt Kenya, where party politics, dynasties and personal ambitions will collide ahead of the 2027
general election.
Once viewed as the de facto regional kingpin after Uhuru Kenyatta’s exit from power, Gachagua now faces an uphill battle to reclaim his influence amid shifting loyalties and deep divisions.
This power struggle is reigniting old rivalries and setting the stage for a complex political showdown. Political analysts argue that Gachagua’s impeachment has reshaped the region’s political dynamics, exposing deep fractures within Mt Kenya leadership.
They highlight a confluence of ambitions, dynastic shadows and the enduring question of who will wield influence on the national stage between Gachagua, the Kenyatta family, and current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
On Monday, President William Ruto held talks with his predecessor Uhuru in a surprise meeting in Gatundu.
It has since emerged that Ruto could pick Uhuru’s allies, including brother Muhoho, to key roles within his administration.
The move could reshape the country’s political landscape and further isolate Gachagua. Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi told the Star the new bromance between Ruto and Uhuru has dealt a major blow to Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who have now been ‘left in the forest’.
“He has been saying he talked with Uhuru. I actually dared him to give us photos of him and Uhuru talking,” Wamumbi stated.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, however, said Gachagua’s impeachment stirred strong emotions in the region, ultimately exposing President Ruto.
“The politics of Mt Kenya is rapidly evolving. Mambo bado (It’s not over yet),” Kahiga said, adding that the region should be left to boil, and it will soon settle on its own.
Kahiga emphasised Mt Kenya stands firmly behind Gachagua as the one who holds the vision from the people who elected him to power alongside President Ruto.
He questioned Ruto’s move to impeach Gachagua, noting that he could have followed Uhuru’s footsteps, who never tried such a move after they fell out.
“The mountain is fully behind Gachagua and there is no doubt about it. There is no vacuum—he is the people’s Deputy President, and nobody should write him off in regards to 2027 politics of succession. He controls the masses,” Kahiga said.
The governor neither denied nor confirmed speculation that Gachagua is eyeing the Democratic Party of Kenya as his next political vehicle but noted the former DP has several options.
“Gachagua has all the options regarding choice of party. He can register a new one or acquire the existing, and all and above this he will make his stand known by January,” Kahiga added.
“Those claiming the Mt Kenya region is divided are mistaken. We are fully united; the divisions exist only in the minds of a few politicians from Kenya Kwanza.”
Democratic Party national chairman Esau Kioni echoed this sentiment, stating that Gachagua has the constitutional right to join any party of his wish.
The former DP or his associates haven’t reached out to the party leadership but they are open for any discussion.
“If Gachagua wishes to join the Democratic Party, he is welcome. He can come in as a member and later contest for any position. We will support him to continue Kibaki’s legacy. Currently, he is the Moses of the region and people believe that he will deliver them from bad governance,” Kioni said.
Earlier, speculation had emerged that Gachagua was considering acquiring the New Democrats Party owned by businessman and Nyeri politician Thuo Mathenge.
However, Mathenge issued a statement denying the move, saying no approach had been made.
“As TND party leader, I want to clarify that nobody, including Gachagua, as alleged, has taken ownership of the party. However, he (Gachagua) is warmly welcomed to join. If anyone else outside is willing to join TND, please come forward. This party will play a crucial role in uniting the GEMA community ahead of 2027,” Thuo said.
Political analyst Macharia Munene observed that Gachagua’s populist appeal as the voice of the ordinary citizen in Mt Kenya could work in his favour as the region grapples with feelings of betrayal by President Ruto’s government. He noted the Kenyatta family’s stance would be pivotal.
“The Kenyattas’ decision to either support or oppose Gachagua will be critical. Gachagua must be strategic in every political move he makes.”
Munene argued Gachagua should seek a truce with the Kenyatta family, given their enduring influence in Mt Kenya politics.
“Although largely absent from public politics, the Kenyattas are closely monitoring Gachagua’s manoeuvers. Their support could consolidate dynastic influence in his favour,” he said.
He added that President Ruto’s actions of intimidating Gachagua and his allies are inadvertently aiding Gachagua’s political resurgence.
“Through perceived attacks and intimidation of Gachagua’s allies, Ruto is unknowingly building Gachagua’s popularity. If Gachagua maintains his current momentum, he will be safe.”
Munene said beyond the dynasties, Gachagua may also face fierce opposition from a cadre of political sharks eager to neutralise his influence, noting that his (Gachagua’s) moves must be calculated.
“Whether Gachagua forms a new party, rebrands an existing one or opts for a strategic endorsement, his actions will reverberate across the region. His ability to navigate the intricate web of alliances, rivalries and historical grudges will determine whether he emerges as a unifying figure or a divisive force.”
Former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo recently said Gachagua’s fallout with Ruto is personal and not communal and thus he (Gachagua) should not drag the community.
“Gachagua’s fight is personal, he should not drag the region into it. If Gachagua came to us and said that Ruto has diverted money meant to Mt Kenya to other regions, we can listen to him. We need leaders focused on collective interests, not individual vendettas,” Kabogo said.
Political analysts further argue that disagreement within Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance threatens to undermine Gachagua’s resurgence as some leaders are allied to Kindiki while others support Gachagua.
Those allied to Gachagua have expressed dissatisfaction with Ruto’s leadership, accusing him of sidelining the region.
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa recently urged Ruto to respect Mt Kenya, emphasising that intimidation would not sway their support for Gachagua.
“We will not be intimidated. Our support for Rigathi Gachagua remains steadfast. If you want to test Mt Kenya, call for a by-election.”
He also hinted that Gachagua was crafting a new political outfit to replace UDA in the region. Following Gachagua’s impeachment, UDA replaced him with Kindiki as deputy party leader.
However, UDA loyalists like Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri have urged calm, warning against divisive politics.
“Bitterness will only delay our development. We need to unite and support our leaders to move forward together,” Kiunjuri said during interview with Kameme FM.
Political analyst and JKUAT don Charles Mwangi has said Gachagua’s political career took a dramatic turn with his impeachment. This blow not only sidelined him but also laid bare the deep fissures within Mt Kenya’s political landscape.
Mwangi said for the last two years, Gachagua had positioned himself as the de facto leader of the region, a role he claimed by virtue of his position as the Deputy President.
Now with Kindiki as the senior-most politician in the region, the confusion is increasing. “Between Uhuru, Gachagua, and Kindiki, who is the true kingpin of Mt Kenya? This confusion is dividing the people as they struggle to determine whose leadership to follow,” Mwangi said.
He said Kindiki, lacking a grassroots following and direct electoral mandate, might struggle to control Mt Kenya’s politics ahead of the 2027 election.
“Kindiki is viewed as a political outsider and an appointee of William Ruto. He doesn’t have the people’s mandate.”
Party of Democratic Unity national chairman Isaiah Gichu argued that Gachagua’s confrontational style and past mistakes and arrogance could limit his appeal.
He pointed to the recent meeting between Ruto and Uhuru as a potential game-changer for the 2027 politics.
“Mt Kenya voters are pragmatic. They will not back a leader who seems to be acting out of personal grievances rather than a clear agenda for the region but if Uhuru won’t be involved in active politics of the day, Gachagua can survive,” he said.
Gakuo Munene, a political analyst, echoed Gichu’s sentiments, adding that despite the setback, Gachagua has wasted no time in attempting to rebuild his political fortunes.
“Kindiki can’t control the politics of Mt Kenya as he doesn’t have any following at all. He is currently viewed as traitor of the region.
He is an appointee of William
Ruto and doesn’t have the people’s
mandate,” he said.
